I remember when I first came across Nocturnal Graves, it was just a blind buy of their split release with Hell Spirit. Mesmerized by the ghoulish and enchanting artwork, I couldn’t help but have it. As soon as I first heard the sinister riffing and the raspy vocals of a raped and strangled angel, I knew that this band was a keeper. 3 years later, the band is back, this time for their Sophomore LP, From The Bloodline Of Cain.

The opening Promethean War is a spit on the face to anyone who would doubt Nocturnal Graves of turning out some more evil material this year. With it pure 80s thrash riffs and whispery vocals and voices of demonic possession, the Australian’s have changed little about their sound, but as the grinding madness of Slave Annihilation beings, I’m reminded that I don’t want Nocturnal Graves to change at all! For this song demonstrates very well just why they are one of the premier examples of Blackened thrash in the world right now!

A little less apparent however on this record is the reverb soaked old school black metal influences we've previously become accustomed to. Instead, the chromatic dissonance in the guitar playing is certainly more of a point to mention, as it is the great Slayer influence that is so present and obvious on every track, not that that’s worth complaining about though! The solos are chaotic and wildly thrashy here, in the style of Jeff Hanneman and Morbid Angel’s Richard Brunelle. However, more melodic lead capabilities are shown on The Conqueror’s Flame, a pounding four and a half minute homage to all the band’s proudly displayed heroes and influences.

As things draw to a furious close with The Great Adversary and the title track, …From The Bloodline of Cain, I can’t say I'm begging for more, the band is in a limited genre, where 8 tracks is plenty to suffice. This takes little away from the quality of this record though, and even if it is just to pick out the few highlight tracks, I’m sure I’ll be revisiting this record greatly in the future.